In a written reply to the House, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Gupta said the helpline number (1800-111-322) has been operational across the country to enable passengers seek security-related assistance.

Gupta said that about 1,300 trains are being escorted daily by Railway Protection Force (RPF)on vulnerable and identified routes, in addition to 2,200 trains escorted by the Government Railway police.

All the Ladies Special trains running in metropolitan cities are being escorted by women RPF constables to ensure proper security to women passengers, he said.

The Minister also said that an integrated security system consisting of electronic surveillance of vulnerable stations through Close Circuit Television Camera network, access control, anti-sabotage checks has been finalized to strengthen surveillance mechanism over 202 sensitive railway stations.

To create a more effective security mechanism over Railways, a proposal for amendment in the Railway Protection Force Act has been moved by the Ministry of Railways with the approval of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Home Affairs.

He said this will empower the RPF to deal with serious crimes in passenger areas.